A. Hydrocortisone 2.5% *
B. Desonide 0.05% *
C. betamethasone valerate topical 0.1% *
D. fluticasone proprionate topical (0.005% or 0.05%) *
E. betamethson dipropionate topical ().05%) *
F. Clobetasol (0.05%) *

3. For Severe Contact Dermatitis
C. Oral corticosteroids:  *
Prednisone 60 mg once a day for 7 to 14 days) can be used for severe blistering or extensive disease.

4. For Pruritus:

A. Hydroxyzine (Atarax)
B. Diphenhydramine (Benedryl)
C. Low-sedating H1 blockers (Zyrtec, Allegra, Claritin), are not as effective.

CAUTION: 1. All medication, including antihistamines, and cortisone lotion and oral cortisone medications (Prednisone) have a risk of side effects.
2. Possible Mild side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, and light to moderate skin rash.
3. Possible Severe side effects are a severe skin rash, an anaphylactic allergic reaction (leading to the inability to breathe and subsequent death if not treated rapidly), and Clostridioides difficile infection (C. Diff.) of the colon.
4. Medications such as creams, lotions, and gels should be tested in small dosages in areas of the body that are not easily seen.

Consult “Epocrates.com” for each Specific Medication’s possible “Adverse Reactions.” Side effects are also referred to as “Adverse Reactions.” Epocrates.com will tell you both “common reactions” and “serious reactions.” You will have to create an account, but it is simple, fast, and free.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CONTACT DERMATITIS?

Symptoms of Poison Ivy Dermatitis and Poison Oak Dermatitis begin 8 to 48 hours after contact and consist of intense itching, a red and sometimes swollen rash, and multiple blisters, which may be tiny or very large. Typically, the blisters occur in a straight line in the area where the plant brushed along the skin. The rash may appear at different times in different locations because of repeat contact with contaminated clothing and other objects or because some parts of the skin are more sensitive than others. The blister fluid itself is not contagious. The itching and rash can take several weeks to go away after the last exposure.

WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF POISON IVY OR POISON OAK?

Poison Ivy and Poison Oak are both caused by contact with urushiol oil, which is both ivy and oak leaves. The effected person has an allergy reaction to the urushiol oil.

HOW ARE POISON IVY AND POISON OAK DIAGNOSED?

Diagnosis is made from having a history of contact with urushiol oil from either, ivy, oak, or sumac leaves, and having characteristic streaky rashes.